Next to Newsletter -Monday, December 20, 2010

My husband, Arthur, and I each write twice-a-month columns for The Times here in Gainesville. His deal with computing and technology issues. Mine deal with whatever strikes my fancy.Arthur's latest was published on December 11th. Click here to read his wrap up on computing in the first decade of the new millennium.

I'm taking a few weeks off from column writing so I can attend to some other projects. I'll be back on January 7th. Meanwhile, click here to read one of my favorites about creating holiday memories.

Joyful Noises

Click here to hear (and see) the animals of You Tube singing "Deck the Halls."

Safe Surfing

What a great idea! Kid Rex is a Google powered search engine for kids with an interface design developed for kids by kids. You don't have to worry about adult content inadvertently showing up . Click here to check it out.

Senior Special

The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia on Ridge Rd. has announced it will be offering spay-neuter surgery for half-price to animals belonging to northeast Georgia residents age 62 and older during January 2011.

The fees for surgery, which normally range from $50-60, will be $25-30 depending on the animal. Appointments for the “senior special” are limited and available now on a first-come basis by calling HSNEGA at 770-532-6617.

Might we suggest...

A great choice for last minute shopping is Hall Book Exchange on Thompson Bridge Rd. Myra has an enormous selection of both new and resale books, accessories and, if you're not sure what to buy, there's always a gift certificate. Stop in and have some of Myra's famous spiced apple cider and cookies and browse to your heart's content. Don't forget her 9th annual sidewalk sale on New Year's Day from 10 to 4...loads of 25 cent books!

Technology bargains!

Recently, a friend came across a Dell laptop (one of the really cool ones with the lime green lid) at a thrift store for $30.00. When she plugged it in, all she got was the feared "blue screen of death" so I guess we know why someone donated it. Being the optimistic type, she bought it anyway and brought it to Arthur. In just a few hours he had it running like new.

Just keep this in mind when you run across technology at thrift stores and yard sales. Of course, not every computer can be revived, but a surprising majority of them can. When you come across an uber-bargain like this, give Arthur a call at Computer House Calls (770-540-5100) and see what he thinks. All I can say is I wish I'd been the one to spot that green Dell!

Random Acts

I just have to send out kudos to everyone at N2N who worked together to pay for repairs on a dear friend's heating system just in time for last Thursday's icy weather. This is what the season is really about! God bless you every one!

Whatcha Eatin'?

Brown Sugar and Spice Glazed Cream Cheese

I sampled this last week at Publix and was absolutely blown away! They served it sans nuts on graham cracker squares. I plan to serve mine on the new brown sugar cinnamon RItz crackers (they're buy-one-get-one-free this week at Publix!) It would also be good on savory crackers.

You can also enjoy this recipe by making cracker sandwiches. Add Boar’s Head Black Forest Ham or any other Boar’s Head ham of choice, to a multi-seeded cracker spread with the cream cheese and glaze. Top with another cracker, omitting the nuts. The glaze is also nice warmed through for a few seconds in the microwave and cooled a little before dripping over the cheese.

1 (8-ounce) bar cream cheese

1 (11-ounce) jar Boar’s Head Sugar & Spice Ham Glaze

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Place the cream cheese on a small serving platter with crackers and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour the glaze overtop the cream cheese until it’s covered and the glaze drips over the edges.

Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the glaze, Serve with crackers of choice.

Wise Words

You know you've grown up when none of the things you want for Christmas can be bought at a store. ~~Overheard at Next to New

Weekly this 'n' that

N2N wants you to like us...on Facebook! Clickhere to go to our fan page and click "like" to join up. We post great deals when we find them during the week and link to other great frugal sites. We have the Deal of the Day and Hot Flashes...you sure don't want to miss out on that!

Remember to bring in your plastic grocery bags to recycle and register to win a $25.00 store credit. The winner of our latest drawing was Nada Spicer. Congratulations!

Get a $5.00 store credit any time you bring us a new shopper. It's easy. Just bring in your friends who've never tried N2N shopping. When they check out at the register, we'll give YOU a $5.00 credit to use on your next visit.

Let's work to get the word out: friends don't let friends shop retail!

Arthur says that if you have an old computer- whether a desktop or laptop- and you have data on it that you'd like to have removed or copied, he can do that for you.

If you've recently changed computers or plan to soon, he can extract those photos and documents you may have thought were lost for good. Well, they are not lost and your computer may even be salvageable. Let him take a look at it. He can also replace a small or defective hard drive or add a second one if you've run out of storage space.

He reminds you that just as with your car, your computer requires periodic tune-ups, usually twice a year. He can clean the junk from your system, check it for viruses and malware and make it run faster. Even if you think yours is running fine, he can make it run faster. His rates are reasonable and he stands behind his work.

About Me

Next to New opened in 1986 to provide like-new family fashions for the north Georgia community. We carry like new fashions for the entire family. Our weekly newsletter/blog focuses on making bargain shopping a lifestyle.